RIP Sperry's

Recently, Speedbumps and Scuttlebutt heard from a wonderful LS reader who has seriously delved into the minutiae of the Sperry's drama; consequently, we have the deets on the situation: He writes,  "There is some confusing information being sent out in various emails concerning dress code shoes for the Lower School. We are being informed that "Sperry" shoes are not acceptable. The confusion is arising out of an apparent misunderstanding what "Sperry" shoes are.  As you probably know, Sperry is known for it's Top Sider "boat shoes." These are lace-up shoes (usually with two eyelets) and a leather lace that goes around the back of the shoes enabling it to be tightened on bare, wet feet (see below). However, Sperry (owned by Stride-Rite) also makes a shoe that is not a "boat" shoe. The Oakam is nothing like the Top Sider. Sperry Oakam slip-on shoes (see below) are virtually indistinguishable from the Merrell "Jungle Moc" and the Lands's End slip on moccasin.  I suggest that the Dress Code for LS shoes be changed to reflect this and that "boat shoes" be substituted for "Sperry" on the list of shoe "no no's." -Thank you to our contributor! That seems to be fairly comprehensive— exhaustive, actually— and hopefully it will be helpful to extinguish all the confusion and ire out there.  Remember, you're good to go with the boat shoes until winter break and chances are they probably will have outgrown them by then anyway!